Narcotics, stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens are different types of drugs and cause different effects to the mind and body.

Opiates are narcotic drugs such as heroin and morphine. Narcotics induce sleep.

Some common stimulant drugs are crack, cocaine and crystal meth. Stimulant drugs speed a person up and are usually referred to as "uppers".

Depressant drugs are the opposite of stimulant drugs. Depressant drugs slow the body down and are usually referred to as "downers". Alcohol and painkillers are some depressant drugs.

Hallucinogen drugs can make you see things that aren't really there. Some hallucinogen drugs are depressants, others are stimulants. LSD and ecstasy are hallucinogen drugs and have similar effects of stimulant drugs. Marijuana is even classified as a hallucinogen drug.

All drugs can act as a stimulant or a depressant, depending on the amount taken. A small amount stimulates, a larger amount acts as a depressant and an even larger amount can cause death.

All drugs can cause short-term and long-term effects to the mind and body and can all become addicting.

The withdrawal symptoms can have different mental and physical effects on the person when withdrawing from these different types of drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use

You can spot drug use if you know the signs and symptoms of drug use. You can even identify what type of drug is being used.

Stimulant drug use symptoms can include: Lack of sleep and eating, weight loss, paranoia, hyperactivity and talking more than usual.

Depressant drug use symptoms can include: Changes in personal habits and lack of desire for work or school, slurred speech, stumbling, sleeping more and if alcohol is involved, you can smell the alcohol on the person's breath or coming out of their pores.